Absa Premiership match report Cape Town City v Polokwane City 22 September 2017

Cape Town City clinched a 1-0 win over Polokwane City at the death in a game which saw referee Cedrick Muvhali in the spotlight after a number of controversial decisions.

The first half got off to a slow start with both sides perhaps low on confidence following poor runs of form.

Thabo Nodada was booked in the 24th minute for a foul on Wiseman Maluleke.

Five minutes later, the game could have taken a dramatic twist as Polokwane City appealed for a handball inside the hosts’ box. However, referee Muvhali declined to point to the spot.

In the 37th minute, Salulani Phiri became the first Polokwane City player to be booked in the game.

Lehlohonolo Majoro nearly broke the deadlock straight afterwards, firing a fearsome long-range strike against Harold Ndlovu’s right post. That was to be the closest either side would come to scoring in the first half.

In the 53rd minute, Mpho Matsi whipped in a lovely ball into the danger area from the left, giving Lyle Lakay the perfect chance to score. Ndlovu rushed out to close Lakay down and he ended up putting the ball wide.

Straight afterwards, McCarthy made his first substitution, bringing Taariq Fielies on for Tshepo Gumede.

It only took a matter of minutes before Fielies became the second player booked for a challenge on W. Maluleke, with Cape Town City’s frustration growing.

In the 62nd minute, W. Maluleke’s involvement came to an end as he was replaced by Jabu Maluleke. Bernard Molekwa also brought Thabang Klaas on for Walter Musona just two minutes later.

Cape Town City were becoming increasingly dominant at this stage and saw Majoro’s effort from a corner blocked on the goal line in the 67th minute.

McCarthy brought Craig Martin on for Ayanda Patosi directly afterwards as he looked to snatch a vital win.

Martin nearly had a brilliant chance to score in the 78th minute, but he was flagged for offside in what was a tight call.

In the 79th minute, Cape Town City made their final change, bringing Nana Akosah-Bempah on for Victor Obinna.

Straight afterwards, Martin yet again almost opened the scoring as a ball coming in from the left evaded the diving Ndlovu and fell to him. However, he fired over from just out in front as he looked to get on the end.

In the 88th minute, Majoro put the ball in the back of the net, but was incorrectly flagged for offside. Muvhali initially disallowed the goal, then changed his mind and awarded it. Polokwane City hounded him and he calamitously changed his mind once again.

Polokwane City made their last substitution in stoppage time, bringing Rendani Ndou on for Vusimuzi Mngomezulu.

Five minutes into stoppage time, Cape Town City were awarded a penalty for what Muvhali controversially ruled was a Phiri handball, which Majoro converted as justice finally prevailed. Thapelo Tshilo was booked following the awarding of the spot-kick.

There were a number of questionable decisions from the officials, but overall, the scoreline was a fair reflection of an eventful night as Cape Town City clinched a much-needed three points.

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